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Real Estate Advertorial Jack-o'-lanterns are one of many indel- ible symbols of Halloween. It's hard to pinpoint the precise origins of jack-o'-lan- terns, but many historians trace the tradi- tion to 19th century Ireland. In fact, this instantly recognizable staple of Halloween decor actually gets its name from an Irish folktale character named "Stingy Jack." Jack-o'-lanterns are ubiquitous in Octo- ber, but a refresher course on carving one can help those who haven't dusted off their carving skills since last fall. • Don't carve too early. Though it can be tempting and fun to carve a jack-o'-lantern once the calendar turns to October, it's un- likely the finished product will make it all the way to October 31. Horticulturists indi- cate that jack-o'-lanterns have a shelf life of roughly five to 10 days, though an espe- cially cold October could shorten that life expectancy even further. If you want your jack-o'-lantern to greet trick-or-treaters on Halloween, wait to carve it until a few days before the big day. • Use a dry-erase marker to outline the design. It's easy to make mistakes when carving a jack-o'-lantern, especially if this is your first time using a carving knife since last year. Use a dry-erase marker to trace the design onto the pumpkin before you make a cut. • Avoid severing the stem. When many people envision jack-o'-lanterns, the im- age in their minds is one in which the top of the pumpkin is removed so candles or lights can be effortlessly placed inside. However, the custom pumpkin carving ex- perts at New York-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers note that removing the top cuts off the vine, which supplies the pumpkin with nutrients and moisture, even after it's been cut. A whole in the back of the pump- kin can provide easy access when placing candles or lights inside, and cutting here won't cut off the nutrient and moisture supply a pumpkin needs to avoid drying out. • Scoop everything out. The interior of a pumpkin will be loaded with seeds, which can be removed and later roasted to make a savoury snack. In addition to removing the seeds, be sure to get all of the pulp out. Pulp left in the pumpkin will soon get moldy and that can shorten the lifespan of the jack-o'-lantern. In addition, when re- moving the interior, try scraping the front inner wall of the pumpkin thin, which may make it easier to carve. • Avoid candles when lighting the interior of the jack-o'-lantern. Candles might seem like the most authentic and even spooky way to light the interior of the pumpkin, but the heat produced by a burning candle can shorten the life expectancy of the jack-o'- lantern. An LED light won't give off much heat and will provide ample illumination. A few simple tips can help Halloween celebrants ensure their jack-o'-lanterns make it all the way to the big day at the end of October. (MCC) Tips to carve the perfect jack-o'-lantern in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, O ct ob er 21 ,2 02 1 | 18 From A Legal Point ofView Do You Need a Will? The events of last year have brought into focus many important realities of life-who we are as individuals and the legacies we plan to leave behind. Being with our families and having the ability to connect with them and share our significant milestones has taken on a new meaning. As many Ontarians confront their own mortality, the value in appropriate estate planning and the creation of a will is apparent. If an individual dies without a valid will, their estate will pass in accordance with the laws of intestacy, which are set out in the Succession Law Reform Act. This article will not explore that process, suffice it to say that allowing the legislature and courts to determine your wishes rather than clearly setting them out is not ideal. When planning your will, there are several key questions to consider. Who do you want carrying out your wishes and ensuring that your goals are met? This individual is called the executor of your will and it is crucial to select the right person for you, as well as an alternate. Another consideration involves if you have minor children. Who will take care of-and provide for-them when you are gone? This person would have to agree to assume legal guardianship, standing in for you in your role as a parent. Again, this is also an appointment who must have an alternate. Other questions may arise with the distribution of your assets and making sure there is money leftover to take care of your families needs. All these questions, andmore, should be discussed and assessed with your lawyer when planning your will. Our office provides a free, initial 30-minute consultation to begin this process. Please do not hesitate to reach out, for these or any other legal needs. 344 Lakeshore Rd E., Suite D, Oakville 905-844-0464 oakvillefamilylawyer.ca -- ADVERTORIAL -- John David (left) and Crystal Sutherland